ATV Riding in the Grand Canyon

byNatalie Lyda

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Vacations are no reason to leave your thirst for ATV adventure at home. While you’re out and about enjoying the splendor of America’s National Parks, there is plenty of opportunity to hop on a guided ATV tour and use your favorite mode of transportation to view the wonders of the great outdoors.

One of the most popular destinations for ATV riding within the National Parks System is the Grand Canyon. Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a sight to behold. Nearly 1 mile deep and 277 miles long, there’s plenty of terrain to take in at this majestic wonder. The National Park is primarily accessible from two main entrances; one on the North Rim of the canyon and a second on the South Rim. However, much of the outlying park land is operated by the Bureau of Land Management and open to ATV recreation.

A wide range of tour companies based in both Arizona and Nevada offer guided tours throughout the land surrounding the National Park boundaries around the canyon. In the instance that you’re unable to bring your own ATV or UTV due to travel distance (I know, it’s completely ridiculous that you can check a dog as luggage, but not your quad…) working with a touring agency is a great option. For anywhere between $80 to $250 per person, depending on your package choice, you’ll be able to ride along on a guided tour as you soak up interesting tid bits of Grand Canyon knowledge from your guide.

However, trucking your own ATV to the Grand Canyon opens up a whole world of trail adventures. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the Bureau of Land Management requires all ATV’s to display proper registration and be equipped with a spark arrestor. The last thing you want is a ticket from the ranger on your canyon excursion. Second, take the time to plan out a realistic route.

Some of the trails around the Canyon, such as those departing from the Southern Nevada town of Mesquite, will lead you to overnight accommodations at working guest ranches. Making reservations ahead of time will allow you to plan multi-day excursions if you’re hearty enough for days of dusty desert riding. However, beginning closer to the Canyon and engaging in a one day trip to the rim and back is also a viable option. Talk to BLM officials for advice on the best trail routes.

Regardless of whether your ATV adventure at the Grand Canyon is led by a guide or forged on your personal machine, there’s no doubt that a ride near the rim will inspire your sense of awe. ATV’s are a man-made machine, however their ability to connect us with the wonders of nature are what make them so desirable.

The Hatfied-McCoy Trail System

Located in West Virginia, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System – named after the famous feuding families -- was created by the state legislature to generate economic growth in impoverished communities. The trail system offers over 700 miles of rideable terrain split between eight trail systems. Trails range in difficulty from beginner to downright gnarly. When completely finished, there will be an estimated 2,000 miles of trails on the whole trail system.

Brimstone Recreation Area

Located on more than 19,000 acres, the Brimstone Recreation Area in northeastern Tennessee offers more than 300 miles of OHV trails. With numerous options chocked full of raging riverside views, scenic overlooks and mountain passes with significant elevation change, Brimstone affords visitors an opportunity to submerse themselves in nature.

Paiute Trail System

The Paiute Trail System is huge. The total number of miles is more than 2,800, passing through multiple towns and offering riders an experience like no other. Riders on Paiute enjoy 11,000 foot ridges, beautiful Aspen groves, canyon trails through slick-rock and the ability to navigate into “ATV friendly” towns.

Moab, Utah

ATV enthusiasts can use all of the popular Moab four-wheel-drive Trails or explore the backcountry trails that surround the Moab area itself. With thousands of miles of unpaved roads, including several infamous trails like Chicken Corners Trail, Gemini Bridges Trail, Poison Spider Mesa Trail, and Moab Rim Trail, there is plenty of exploration to do. Most of the public land surrounding both the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks is permissible to ride.

Bar 10 Ranch, Nevada

Located on the north rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, the Bar 10 Ranch is an excellent destination ride from neighboring Mesquite, NV. With nearly a million acres of National Park without a paved road in site, this day-long ride traversing approximately ninety miles of roads and trails provides breathtaking views. Most of the surrounding park land operated by the Bureau of Land Management is open to ATV and UTV exploration. This area is incredibly isolated, so riders must be prepared to be self-sufficient with enough fuel, food, and especially water to complete the journey safely.